Method of joint sealing



June l1, 1929. s. M. wEHRLE METHOD OF JOINT SEALING Filed Aug. 9, 1926 INVENToR.

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Patented June 11, 1929.

1,716,994 PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE M. WEHRLE, OF JACKSON, CALIFORNIA.

METHOD OF JOINT SEALING.

Application filed August 9. 1926. Serial No. 128,072.

This invention relates to a method of joint sealing', and particularly to a method of .sealing the joints between adjacent sections ot concrete. It is well known that large conf; crete water tunnels, dams, etc. are poured in sections, and that. upon setting and drying out the sections contract in a manner leaving a gap between the adjacent sections. In large dams, the gap is ordinarily lilled with le cement tori-ed thereinto in liquid form under pressure. Various other` methods are now used for sealing these gaps formed between adjacent sections ot pipes and concrete tunnels.

It is the primary object of my invention to provide a novel and very useful method ot sealing these gaps by the use ot a flexible tube placed between the sections and expanded by cement forced thereinto under pressure and j'iermanently held in expanded condition by the hardening oi the cement.

In the accompanying drawing, I have illustrated one particular use ot my invention, but it will be understood that the invention can be otherwise embodied and that the drawing is not to be construed as defining or limiting the scope olf the invention, the claims appended to the specification being relied upon for that purpose.

Referring to the figures ot the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary View showing one end of a concrete tunnel section illustrating the use of my invention.

Fig, 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of Fig. 1. Fig. 2 shows the same utter the next adjacent sect-ion has been poured.

Fig. 4 shows the same after the concrete has set and the joint between the. sections permanently sealed.

In the drawing 1 indicates the ground through which is formed a tunnel 2. Adjacent sections of concrete tunnels or pipes are illustrated at 3 or 4 as formed within the tunnel 2.

In Figs. 1 and 2, the section 3 is illustrated as poured and set. The adjacent ends of the sections are provided with overlapping joints 5 and 6.

In Fig. 3 the section 4 has been poured onto the section 3.

Fig. 4 shows the same after the section 4 has set and hardened. During this setting the concrete contracts in a manner leaving The object of my innentionhcrein is to provide means for permanently sealing this joint.

As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, I place an expansible tube 8, (prefr-n'ably of rubber) sutlicient thickness to prevent collapse about the end 5 oi section 3 and bring the ends 9 thereof into the tunnel. The adjacentsection 4 is then poured thereon over the tube in the manner shown in Fig'. 3. then this section 4 has set and contracted, leaving the gap '7, I torce liquid cement into the tube under pressure. This pressure expands and distorts the tube as shown in Fig. 4 so that it presses tightly against both tunnel sections. I hold the tube under this pressure until the cement therein has hardened. The hardened cement thereafter permanently holds the tube expanded in the sealing position.

It will be obvious from the above description and the accompanying drawing that the tube thereafter forms a permanent seal lor the joint.

IVhile the invention is herein illustrated i'n connection with tunnels, it will ot course be understood that the invention is capable of a wide application ot uses other thanv that illustrated herein.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent isl. A method of sealing joints between adjacent sections of concrete construction consisting of placing an expansible tube of suflicient thickness to prevent collapse on a poured and set section along the sealing line, pouring the adj aeent section thereon over the tube, permitting the sections to set and contract, and thereafter forcing liquid cement into the tube underjpressure and holding the same thus until the cement sets so that the hardened cement permanently holds the tube expanded in its sealing position.

2. A method of sealing joints between adconsisting of placing an expansibletube of sulieient thickness to prevent collapse on und around the end of :1 poured und .set .seetion, pouring the udjueent section thereon over the tube, permitting` the sections to setr :uid contruet, und thereafter forcing the liquid eement into the tube under pressure und hold.- ingl the Sinne thus until the Cement Sets 5o that the hardened rement. pernmnentlv holds the tube expanded in its Sealing' position.

4. A method ot' sealing: joints between :1djaeent sections of concrete constructions consist-ing of placing :i rubber tube of suteient thiekn'ess to prevent collapse on a poured and setv section along the sealing line und extendinte` the ends 0l the tube beyond the inner face of the set section7 pourinfbg` the adjacent section thereon over the tube, permitting; the seetions to set und eoutrziet, und thereafter foreing liquid cement into the tube under pres eure and holding the `sume thus until the eenient, sets so thatthe hardened tement permanently holds the tube expanded in its seuling position.

GEOR GE M. WEHRLE. 

